Chocolate Is Hot, Chicks Are Not: New Study by the Research Now Healthcare Team Reveals 'Anything Chocolate' Will Do This Easter

PLANO, TX--(Marketwire - Mar 29, 2013) - Whether it feels like it or not, Easter is here; and while many participate in PEEPS® contests around the country, only 10% of Americans will actually devour these cute and colorful marshmallow treats this Easter holiday. A recent Research Now study reported that chocolate is the fan favorite when indulging one's sweet tooth.

While spending time with family is a unanimous favorite activity among respondents who celebrate Easter, over half of those surveyed also enjoy participating in religious activities and eating Easter candy. Respondents also enjoy decorating eggs, preparing Easter baskets and participating in egg hunts.

When asked about their favorite Easter treat, the majority of respondents reported that anything chocolate (56%) is preferred. Jelly beans (19%) are a distant second among those surveyed, followed by marshmallow treats (10%) and dyed Easter eggs (7%). The remaining 8% of respondents prefer to indulge in anything from homemade cookies and baked goods, to leg of lamb and ham. And while 17% of respondents check the nutrition label prior to consuming said sweets and treats, the majority (54%) of respondents prefer not to worry about what's inside that makes it taste so good. 29% of respondents acknowledged looking at the nutrition label occasionally.

Can you please pass the sugar?While only 22% of consumers "always" check the sugar content in what they eat, the survey suggests that most consumers still have an awareness of how much sugar they may be consuming. When asked about which Easter candy (HERSHEY'S® Chocolate Bunnies, Cadbury Crème Eggs®, PEEPS, jelly beans or Whoppers Robin Eggs®) they thought to have the least amount of sugar per serving, 33% indicated HERSHEY'S Chocolate Bunnies. This is in line with reality, as according to Caloriecount.com, PEEPS contain the most amount of sugar with 36g per serving, followed by Whoppers Robin Eggs (29g), jelly beans (27g) and Cadbury Crème Eggs (20g). Of the confections mentioned in the survey, HERSHEY'S Chocolate Bunnies have the least amount of sugar per serving (17g).

When surveyed specifically about the various types of Easter eggs available for consumption, 27% of respondents reported that they prefer REESE'S® Peanut Butter Eggs. This is followed by decorated, hard-boiled eggs (14%), Cadbury Crème Eggs (13%), Whoppers Robin Eggs (8%) and Cadbury Mini Eggs® (8%). 23% of respondents weren't at all picky and reported liking them all, while the remaining 7% of respondents are just not that into eggs.

Don't forget the eggs.As Easter approaches and the month of March -- also deemed National Kidney Month -- comes to an end, it's important to acknowledge that egg whites have been recognized as one of 15 super foods for kidney health. According to yourkidneys.com, egg whites provide the highest quality protein, along with all of the essential amino acids.

When asked about their consumption of hard-boiled eggs during the Easter holiday, a majority of the respondents surveyed (37%) will consume one to two eggs, 24% will consume three to four eggs, 11% will consume five or more eggs, and 27% will not consume a single egg this Easter holiday.

About the methodologyThe Research Now Healthcare team surveyed 775 people aged 18 and over from March 27th to March 29th, 2013. The survey was conducted online within the United States via Research Now's e-Rewards® Opinion Panel.

Research Now and e-Rewards are trademarks of e-Rewards, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

About Research NowResearch Now, the leading digital data collection provider, powers market research insights. We enable companies to listen to and interact with the world's consumers and business professionals through online panels, as well as mobile, digital and social media technologies. Our team operates in 25 offices globally and is recognized as the market research industry's leader in client satisfaction. We foster a socially responsible culture by empowering our employees to give back. To find out more or begin a conversation with us, visit www.researchnow.com.